3/5
What it's about:
British-made documentary about Osaka's Host Clubs - specifically "Stylish Club Rakkyo" owned by a top host: Issei. The documentary follows Issei and the world within Rakkyo and Japanese Host Clubs. It includes interviews with other Rakkyo hosts and many Rakkyo clients as well.
Clarification:
First of all, for anyone who doesn't know, a Host Club is basically a place where Japanese women go to pay men to play with them. In a way, hosts are similar to gigolos (male prostitutes) except that sex is only a very small part of the services they may/may not provide. It's optional.
The club is like a bar/lounge where women can choose the hosts they want from a MENU and pay per hour to socialize with the hosts while simultaneously paying for drinks.The hosts specialize in comforting/pleasing women in any way possible and are ranked by commission (the #1 host makes the most money from clients).
The Review:
It is definitely difficult to review such a movie without getting too involved in the politics of the situation and the complexity of the whole idea of Host Clubs. However I will do my best to focus on the film itself. All in all, the movie was not a beautifully done or well made film. The film never fails to remind you that it IS a documentary, and all the shots are done at a mediocre level. Because the lighting in the club and the commotion in the club, some scenes can be quite annoying to watch. Several shots of Issei and the other hosts chanting loudly while strobe lights flash look just like the videos drunk people take of their friends at any party. I guess the pro to this is that it lets you understand the mood of the Hosts Clubs perfectly....
BUT. I gave this documentary a 4/5 because the CONTENT and SUBJECT of the film made it interesting and bearable to watch. Who isn't the least bit intrigued by the mysterious world of Japanese Host Clubs? Merely learning about the lifestyle of these hosts and their clients is enough to keep one entertained throughout the duration of the movie.
When I began watching the film, I was a bit doubtful about the hosts themselves. To me (a seemingly level-headed asian/american), the hosts didn't seem the least bit attractive. It really puzzled me as to why women would pay for their company. I mean sure the copious amounts of alcohol could blur a girl's judgement, but what about before they even walk in?
So you all can get a sneek peek, this is Issei, the owner and most popular host at Rakkyo.
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| What would you ask of him....;D |
However, as the documentary progresses, you really begin to understand the world of the hosts and the reasons behind it. Each person holds this hidden side of them that the the film successfully begins to reveal. What begins as pretty superficial, straightforward answers lead to uncovering the pain and messed up lives of each individual. The depth of each character however is not fully explored. Issei is by far the most developed person in the film and the documentary seems to revolve around his life at Rakkyo more than anything else. We are treated with interviews and short flickers to the world outside of Rakkyo, but this only leads to more curiosity about the hosts and clients' lives which unfortunately isn't satisfied. I want to know about the clients that AREN'T prostitutes! And what about that random new guy who was interviewed? How'd he beat out 100s of other dudes?
This film just needed some serious editing and planning. Too much time was wasted on repetitive looking party scenes, when more time could've been allotted to digging further into this interesting subculture. Issei's interviews were the glue that held it all together.
So is it watch worthy?
Yes. Although not a well made film itself, you'll never find another documentary on such an interesting subject. You know you're curious, and if you can make it past the oddly unattractive hosts and chaotic "champagne call" chants, you'll find a treat in the progression of Issei and the hosts towards the end of the film. Plus you'll have a plethora of (perhaps useless) information on this unique world.
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| Host Glamor Shots |
Please Enjoy!
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